Does anyone know what Brassard's dilation schedule is? (i.e. week 1, 5 times a day; week 2-4, 4 times a day; etc.)
From our instructions (for the record, I'm over a year post-op and down to 3X a week and reducing) :
Post operative dilation and douching instructions
Dilations
Healing after a vaginoplasty lasts one year. Keep in mind that the
success of this surgery depends on maintaining the length, girth and
depth of your new vagina. To achieve this, you need a set of 4
dilators and respect the instructions below. Do not stop dilations
without advising your surgeon. Stopping dilations will cause the loss
of the vaginal canal and is irreversible without further surgery (skin
grafts or bowel transposition).
Relaxing
Relaxing is the key step. It will make dilations much easier. Taking
ten slow deep breaths before beginning is one good way to get rid of
tension.
Angle
After you have localized the vaginal opening with a mirror, insertion
should be made for the 2 first inches with a slightly downwards 15°
angle. Do not go directly towards the rectum. After that the angle
should be corrected so that the dilator becomes almost parallel to the
bed while trying to aim at the navel.
Pressure
Insertion should always be gentle and slow. When the dilator is
inside the vagina for the entire length, apply constant not forceful
pressure. Gaining depth by applying more pressure is not advised.
Dilation instructions
Wash your hands
The first day of your dilations, the attending nurse will show you
every step of the process.
- Hold dilator #1 like a pen
- Apply about one teaspoon of lubricant gel on the tip of the dilator
- Insert at a slight downward angle for the 2 first inches
- Leave dilator inside 5 minutes; remove slowly
- Repeat with dilator #2 for 15 minutes
The second day of dilation can be more difficult because of swelling
that sets inside the vagina during the night. It is perfectly normal.
Be patient.
You should gently and frequently wipe out the gel that is coming out
at the bottom of the vagina.
Wait 3 months before having intercourse.
DILATION SCHEDULE
At the residence
You should dilate 4 times per day.
Day of traveling
You should at least dilate once before leaving the residence. If you
have time, dilate more that once before your departure. Even if you
have a long day of traveling and you cannot dilate for hours, you
should plan on doing at least one dilation when you arrive at home.
Please be active on the plane. Walk as much as you can.
Home
Resume your schedule as soon as possible.
At home, you should dilate 4 times per day with, #1, #2 for 5, 15
minutes for one month.
Dilate 3 times per day with #1, #2, #3 for 5, 10, 15 minutes for two months.
Dilate twice a day with #2, #3, #4, for 5, 10, 15 minutes for 3 months
Dilate once a day with #3, #4, for 5, 15 minutes for 6 months.
Slowly increase the interval of time between each dilation until you
reach one dilation per week with #4, for 15 minutes for the rest of
your life.
If you have difficulties with a bigger size dilator, wait before you
are comfortable with this one before using a bigger size. You can go
back to a smaller size and increase the frequency for a few days.
CARE FOR DILATORS
Wash the dilators after each use with non-abrasive antibacterial soap
in warm water and dry thoroughly. Do not wash them in the dishwasher
or clean with alcohol. This could damage them.
Maintain at least 2 hours intervals between dilations (from the time
you finish one and the time you do another one, 2 hours minimum.